I try to be what you want me to be
I try to act like an American
I try to sing America, but you can’t hear my song.

You tell me to look presentable
You tell me to not wear clothes that will be too tempting

When I speak up,
When I defend myself
you call me

Bossy
Bitchy
Unattractive
Light-skinned girls are easy.
Light-skinned girls are conceited.
These words leave me isolated.
These words drive us apart.
These words tear me down.
I melt like a
candle burning at both ends,
Just waiting for the flames to meet,
when there is nothing left to burn.
This is not the new
America, this is not the
Land of the brave
Nor the free
Not for me
My seat at the table has strings attached.

Tomorrow,
I’ll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody’ll dare
silence me
Then.